Arch support



- April 1937- Y J. c:. HOWELL 2,075,943

ARCH SUPPORT Filed Sept. 28, 1935 1 5 sheets-sheet 1 INVENTQR. Joseph 6 jzoweil /a/zflrw" ATTORNEYS April 1937- J. HOWELL 2,075,943

ARCH SUPPORT Filed Sept. 28, 1935 5 ShegtS-ShG-Gt 2 INVENTOR.

ATTORNEYS April 6, 1937. J HOWELL 2,075,943

ARCH SUPPORT Filed Sept. 28, 1955 I 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR. Q fOS/flz ClffoweZZ,

fcfrz" ATTORNEYS Patented Apr. 6, 1937 warren STATES PATENT OFFICE ARCH SUPPORT Joseph C. Howell, Fort Lee, N. J.

Application September 28, 1935, Serial No. 42,561

10 Claims.

This invention relates to arch supports of the character employing a tensioning plate for maintaining the arch supporting plate in resilient upwardly arched formation and while the same is not limited thereto, provides means for comfortably supporting and correcting defects in the inner longitudinal and metatarsal arches of the foot.

In order to provide an arch support which is readily emplaceable and removable so that it may be located in the desired position under the arch of the foot requiring support and re-adjusted when desired, the invention includes means for adjustably and removably anchoring the support to a predetermined fixed'po-int with reference to the sole of the shoe.

The invention broadly comprehends an arch support comprising a flexible resilient member having its upper face longitudinally and transversely arched and having means extending outwardly from said member and adapted to adjustably anchor the member to a predetermined fixed point with reference to the sole of the shoe. The invention more particularly comprises a longitudinally and transversely arched resilient plate having opposite supporting edge portions adapted to engage with the upper surface of the shoe sole and an underlying tensioning plate secured to the arched plate adjacent the supportingredges for maintaining the arch plate in upwardly arched formation, together with means extending outwardly from said arch plate for adjustably and removably anchoring the arch support to a ply of flexible material freely supported upon the upper surface of the sole of the shoe and which secures the support against unintentional displacement.

The invention further provides in one of its forms a longitudinally and transversely arched 4O resilient plate having its highest point under the inner longitudinal arch, which decreases in elevation laterally and inwardly with its opposite ends and inner side edges adapted to be supported upon the upper surface of the sole of the shoe and with an underlying tension plate secured thereto at the ends thereof and along the inner side edges adjacent the ends thereof, together with a lateral extension for adjustably and removably attaching the support to a point fixed with reference to the sole of the shoe.

In another form of the invention, the arch support includes a longitudinally and transversely arched resilient plate having opposite edge portions adapted to engage with the upper surface of the sole of the shoe and an underlying tensioning plate secured to the arch plate adjacent the supporting edges thereof, and means extending outwardly from the arch support adapted to adjustably secure the arch support at a fixed point with reference to the sole of the shoe.

The invention also includes in certain of its forms, means for exerting a stress on the tension plate for effecting a differential upward arching of the arch plate to vary the height thereof.

With these and other objects in view, reference is made tothe following specification and accompanying drawings in which there is illustrated several embodiments of the invention, while the appended claims cover variations and modifications thereof which fall within the scope of the invention.

In the drawings:

Fig. lis a bottom plan view of an arch supporting device constructed in accordance with the invention and illustrating the shoe in broken lines to show the relative location of the device with reference thereto.

Fig. 2 is a transverse sectional view taken approximately on the line 2-2 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a top plan View ofthe metatarsal arch support illustrated in Fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the inner longitudinal arch support illustrated in Fig. 1.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the lock washer for securing the arch supporting elements in set position.

Fig. 6 is a bottom plan view of a modified form of the inner longitudinal arch support.

Fig. 7 is a side view thereof.

Fig. 8 is a bottom plan view of a modified form of metatarsal arch support.

Fig. 9 is a transverse sectional view therethrough taken approximately on the line 99 of Fig. 8.

Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a further modification of the metatarsal arch support.

Fig. 11 is a perspective view of a further modification of the inner longitudinal arch support.

Fig. 12 is a bottom plan view of the arch supports illustrated in Figs. 10 and 11 and a modified form of equalizing member shown in applied position with reference to the shoe illustrated in broken line.

Referring to the drawings by characters of reference, and more particularly to the form of the invention illustrated in Figs. 1 to 5 inclusive, the arch supporting device includes an inner longitudinal arch support ill, a metatarsal arch support II and an equalizing member 12 adapted to engage with the edge of the foot adjacent the outer longitudinal arch for retaining the foot in position on the arch supports l0 and II and for preventing shifting of the foot laterally towards the outer edge of the shoe. The arch supports l0 and II and the equalizing member I2 are adjustably and removably anchored to a predetermined fixed point with reference to the sole of the shoe and in the embodiment illustrated, the said supports and equalizing member l2 are adjustably and removably anchored substantially medially under the instep of the foot to'an insole or ply of flexible material l3 which overlies the same and extends preferably over the heel and shank portion thereof with reference to which it is fixed.

The arch support 10 includes a thin spring metal or equivalent longitudinal arched plat-e M which plate overlies a portion of the heel of the shoe and extends forwardly therefrom under the inner longitudinal arch of the foot to a point adjacent to and at one side of the metatarsal arch support II. The arch plate l4 has its highest point disposed under the inner longitudinal arch and decreases in height inwardly with its rear end portion 15, the forward end portion l6 and its curved inner side edge I! bearing upon the sole of the shoe. The outer side edge of the arch plate I4 is preferably formed with an upwardly curved extension or lip I8 which supports the side of the foot adjacent the inner longitudinal arch.

The arch support l0 also includes a tension plate [9 which underlies the arched plate l4 and has its opposite ends and its inner side edges adjacent the ends contoured to the form of the end portions of the arched plate and welded or otherwise secured thereto at its ends and along the inner side edge adjacent its ends. The tension plate I!) is also welded or otherwise secured to the inner side edge of the arch plate medially thereof and is provided with a lateral extension 20 projecting inwardly from its inner side edge. The extension 20 is provided with a plurality of spaced apertures 2| for selectively receiving in any one of said apertures, the shank 22 of a headed bolt 23 extending through the inner sole or ply i3 and clampingly engaged by a nut 24 for adjustably securing the arch support to the inner sole or ply l3 and in a predetermined fixed position with reference to the sole of the shoe. The tension plate I9 is cut away or recessed between its points of attachment with the arched plate as at 25 and is provided with a central aperture 26 for rendering the same relatively flexible while providing means for maintaining the arched plate in longitudinal arched formation.

The metatarsal arch support H includes a spring metal plate 28 of generally oval formation conforming generally to the region of the metatarsal arch with a convex upper surface and a concave lower surface and with a rearward extension 29 provided with a plurality of spaced apertures 30 for selectively receiving in any one of said apertures the shank 22 of the bolt 23 for adjustably securing the arch support to the inner sole or ply l3 and in a predetermined fixed position with reference to the sole of the shoe. The plate 28 is provided with a longitudinally disposed split 3! extending inwardly from the forward marginal edge thereof to a point adjacent the center and with a plurality of apertures 32 disposed on opposite sides of the split 3| for increasing the flexibility of the plate.

The metatarsal arch support I I also includes a tension plate 33 for maintaining the arch plate 28 in longitudinal and transversely arched formation. The tension plate 33 is of a cruci-form shape having oppositely disposed flexible side edge portions 3% and 35 contoured to the form of the side edges of the arch plate 28, a forwardly projecting portion 36 which is contoured to the form of the forward edge of the plate 28 and a rearwardly extending portion 3? which is welded or otherwise secured to the body of the plate 28 adjacent the extension 29 thereof. The side edge portions 3 and 35 are welded or otherwise secured to the arch plate 28 adjacent the side edges thereof, which side edges are supported upon the upper surface of the sole of the shoe, while the forwardly extending portion 33 freely underlies the forward edge of the plate 28 so as to permit of the relative flexing of the forward portions of the plates 28 and 33.

The equalizing member I 2 consists. of a flat metal plate supported by the upper surface of the sole of the shoe and having an elongated upwardly curved lip 38 which supports the side of the foot adjacent the outer longitudinal arch, retains the foot in position upon the arch supports l0 and I I and prevents shifting of the foot laterally towards the outer edge of the shoe. The equalizing member I2 is provided with a plurality of spaced apertures 39 adjacent its inner end which are adapted to be selectively engaged by the shank 22 of the bolt 23 for adjustably securing the equalizer 12 to the insole or ply I3.

The arch supports iii and Il may be used in association with each other and with the equalizing member l2 as illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2 or the same may be employed independently when only one of the arches of the foot requires correction. When employed in conjunction with each other, the rearwardly extending portion 29 of the metatarsal arch support 5 l is preferably disposed between the overlying extension 23 of the arch support l0 and the underlying inner portion 40 of the equalizing member l2.

For the purpose of securing the arch supports l0 and II and the equalizing member l2 against unintentional angular displacement, a lock washer 4| is provided which underlies the inwardly extending portion 40 of the equalizing member I2. The washer 4! has an elongated slot 42 for slidably receiving therethrough the shank 22 of the bolt 23 and is provided with an upwardly extending stud 33 adapted to engage in the registering apertures H, 30, and 39 of the arch supports [0 and I! and the equalizing member 12 respectively. The arch supports IE] and H and equalizing member l2 may be adjusted with reference to each other by selective engagement of the bolt 23 with any one of the apertures 2| and with any one of the apertures 36 and 39 respectively.

The insole or ply l3 may be adhesively secured to the upper surface of the sole of the shoe so that the arch supporting device may be anchored in a predetermined fixed position with reference to the sole of the shoe and for the purpose of more definitely locating the arch supporting device in a predetermined fixed position, the inner end of the shank 22 of the bolt 23 extends into a socket 34 in the upper surface of the sole of the shoe.

In the form of the inner longitudinal arch support illustrated in Figs. 6 and 7 of the drawings, the arch plate 14 and tension plate H3 thereof are of the same general shape and construction as those embodied in the inner longitudinal arch support I 0 in the previous form. In the mod- Fir ified form, however, means are provided for varying the stress on the tension plate for producing a differential upward arching of the arch plate. For this purpose, the tension plate I9 is cut away or recessed substantially centrally along its outer longitudinal edge and is provided with forwardly and rearwardly extending tension straps 45 and 46, each of which is provided with a threaded bore 41 in its free end. A turn buckle 48 having oppositely disposed, oppositely threaded shanks engages the threaded bores 41 for the purpose of varying the tension of the tension plate. The turn buckle 48 is provided with one or more apertures 49 adapted to receive therein a cotter pin 50 for facilitating the turning of the turn buckle and to retain the turn buckle in adjusted position.

In the form of the metatarsal arch support illustrated in Figs. 8 and 9 of the drawings, the arch plate 28 and the tension plate I33 thereof are of the same general shape and construction as those embodied in the arch support H in the previous form, the tension plate I33, however, in the modified form being provided with means for varying the stress therein for producing a differential transverse upward arching of the arched plate 28. For this purpose, the tension plate 33 is provided with an elongated central aperture 52 and with oppositely arranged inwardly extending overlapping tension straps 53 and 54 bridging the opening 52. The straps 53 and 54 are provided with registering slots 55 for receiving therethrough a bolt 56 adapted to adjustably secure the straps together, the straps being transversely ribbed so that one interfits with the other and permits of the relative adjustment of the straps with respect to each other so as to vary the tension of the tension plate.

In the modified form of the metatarsal arch support illustrated in Figs. 10 and 12 of the drawings, the same includes a flexible base 58 constructed of leather, rubber or any analogous flexible material and which base is of the same general shape as the metatarsal arch supports illustrated in the previous forms. The base 58 is of general oval formation having a convex upper surface 59 and a flat lower surface 60, the highest point of the upper surface being substantially centrally under the metatarsal arch and inclining towards the marginal edges thereof, and the rearward extension 6| thereof being provided with spaced apertures 62 therethrough corresponding to the apertures 30 in the extension 29 of the metatarsal arch support I l of the form illustrated K in Figs. 1 to 3 inclusive.

In the modified form of the inner longitudinal arch support illustrated in Figs. 11 and 1 2 of the drawings, the same includes a flexible base 64 constructed of leather, rubber or any analogous flexible material and which base is of the same general shape as the longitudinal arch supports illustrated in the previous forms. The said base is formed with a longitudinally and transversely arched upper surface 65 and a flat lower surface 55 and with an extension 61 projecting inwardly from its inner longitudinal curved edge 68 having spaced apertures 69 therethrough corresponding to the apertures 2| of the extension2ll of the form illustrated in Figs. 1, 2, and 4.

The arch supports illustrated in Figs. 10 and 11 may be used in conjunction with each other and with an equalizing member 80 as illustrated in Fig. 12 of the drawings, which equalizing member is of the same general form as the equalizing member [2 and may, if desired, be

constructed of leather, rubber or other flexible material. The equalizing member 80 is also provided with spaced apertures 8| adjacent the inner end thereof for selective engagement by the bolt 23 and with the apertures 62 of the base 58 and the aperture 69 of the base 64 for adjustably securing the same to the inner sole or ply l3 and which may also be engaged by a lock washer 82 having an elongated slot 84 and an upstanding stud 85 similar to the lock washer 4| illustrated in Fig. 5 for securing the arch supports and equalizing member against unintentional angular displacement.

What is claimed is:

1. An arch support including a longitudinally and transversely arched resilient plate having a substantially arcuate inner edge adapted to contact with and to be supported upon the upper surface of a shoe sole, an underlying tension plate secured to the arch plate at the ends thereof and along the inner side edge for maintaining the arched plate in longitudinal and transverse formation, and means carried by said arched plate and extending outwardly therefrom adapted to adjustably anchor the archsupport in a predetermined fixed position with reference to the sole of the shoe.

2. An arch support including a longitudinally and transversely arched resilient plate having its opposite ends and inner side edge portions adapted to be supported upon the, upper surface of the shoe sole, an underlying tension plate secured to the arch plate at the ends thereof and along the inner side edges adjacent the ends thereof for maintaining the arched plate in longitudinal and transverse formation, a ply of flexible material overlying the arched plate and conforming to the shape of the major portion of the inner sole of the shoe, and means carried by said arch plate extending outwardly therefrom adjustably anchored to the said ply for securing the arch support in fixed position with reference to the sole of the shoe.

3. An arch support including a flexible resilient member having its upper surface longitudinally arched and a marginal extension at one side thereof, a ply of flexible material overlying said member and adapted to fit over the shank and heel portion of the sole of a shoe, said extension having a plurality of apertures therein, and means of engagement between said ply and said extension adapted to be selectively engaged in any one of said apertures for adjustably securing said member in fixed relation with reference to the sole of the shoe.

4. An arch support including a flexible resilient member having a longitudinally and transversely arched upper surface and an extension projecting outwardly from the margin of said member substantially axially of one of the arches of said member, a ply of flexible material overlying said member and adapted to fit over and be secured to the shank portion of the upper surface of a shoe sole, said extension having an aperture therethrough, and means of engagement between said ply and said extension engaging said aperture for securing the member in fixed relation with reference to the sole of the shoe.

5. An arch support including a flexible resilient member having a longitudinally and transversely arched upper surface and an extension projecting outwardly from the margin of said member and a ply of flexible material overlying said member and adapted to fit over and be secured to the shank portion of the upper surface of a Cal shoe sole, said extension having an aperture therethrough, and means of engagement between said ply and said extension engaging said aperture for securing the member in fixed relation with reference to the sole of the shoe.

6. An arch support including a plurality of flexible resilient members each of said members having its upper surface longitudinally arched and each having a marginal extension so arranged that one overlies the other, said extensions having a plurality of registering openings therein, a ply of flexible material overlying said members, and means of engagement between said extensions and said ply adapted to be selectively engaged in said openings for adjustably securing the said members with reference to each other and to the said ply.

7. An arch support including a plurality of flexible resilient members each of said members having its upper surface longitudinally arched and each having a marginal extension so arranged that one overlies the other, said extensions having a plurality of registering openings therein, a ply of flexible material overlying said members and adapted to fit over the shank portion of the upper sole of a shoe, and means of engagement between said ply and said extensions adapted to selectively engage in any one of the aligned openings therein for adjustably securing the said members with reference to each other and with reference to the sole of the shoe.

8. An arch support including a pair of flexible resilient members each having its upper surface longitudinally arched and each being provided with a marginal extension so arranged that one overlies the other, a resilient member adapted to overlie the shank portion of a shoe adjacent the outer edge thereof and having an inner portion registering with the said extensions, said inner portion and said extensions having a registering aperture therethrough, a ply of flexible material overlying said members and adapted to fit over the shank portion of the upper surface of the shoe sole, and means of engagement between said ply and said members engaging said openings therein for securing the said members in fixed relation with reference to the shoe sole.

9. An arch support including a flexible resilient member having its upper surface longitudinally arched, said member having a plurality of apertures therein adjacent the medial side edge thereof, a ply of flexible material overlying said member and adapted to fit over and be secured to the shank portion of the upper surface of a shoe sole, and means of engagement between said ply and said member adapted to selectively engage in any one of the apertures therein for adjustably securing said member in fixed relation with reference to the sole of the shoe.

10. An arch supporting device including in combination a resilient unit for supporting the inner longitudinal arch of the foot and a resilient unit for supporting the metatarsal arch of the foot, a resilient member adapted to overlie the shank portion of a shoe adjacent the outer edge thereof and having an upturned outer edge, and means connecting said units and said resilient member for relative adjustment in the plane of the sole of the foot.

JOSEPH C. HOWELL. 

